Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program Urges Motorists To “Share the Road” For Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Atlanta, Georgia - The Georgia Department of Driver Services Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) is calling on motorists to "Share the Road" in honor of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which takes place in May. As summer and road trip season begins, the GMSP is reminding all road users to practice safe driving and cooperation on the highways to reduce fatalities and injuries.

Motorcyclists are disproportionately involved in traffic crashes and fatalities. According to the latest statistics, motorcyclists are nearly 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash, and five times more likely to be injured per vehicle mile traveled. This highlights the importance of driver awareness and attention on the road.

"We want to spread the word to vehicle drivers to keep an eye out for motorcyclists and to always remember to Share the Road," said DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore. "It is very easy to overlook a motorcycle due to their smaller size. For this reason, it’s vital that we put forth extra effort in keeping watch."

The GMSP promotes motorcycle safety awareness throughout the year, but May brings special attention to the Share the Road campaign as a call-to-action to motorcyclists and drivers of safety issues that directly impact the motorcycle community. In 2020, there were over 2,300 drivers involved in fatal vehicle crashes, with 192 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in Georgia.

To help reduce these alarming numbers, the GMSP recommends that motorists allow greater following distance behind a motorcycle, be extra cautious in intersections, and watch out for motorcycles in their blind spots. On the other hand, motorcyclists are advised to wear riding gear with reflective material to be highly visible and to avoid riding in poor weather conditions.

The GMSP offers rider education and licensing programs, as well as motorist awareness programs, Share the Road campaigns, and is focused on highway safety issues affecting Georgia motorcyclists. Low-cost, professional training is also available to assist riders in improving their skills through the GMSP training sites throughout Georgia.

For complete licensing and testing information, as well as online transactions, visit the DDS website at www.dds.georgia.gov. Let's all do our part to ensure the safety of all road users.